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Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  canadien  de  microreproductions  historfques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


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n 

D 
D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couieur 

Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagee 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurde  et/ou  pelliculee 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


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Cartes  g^ographiques  en  couieur 


n 


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Encre  de  couieur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


□    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couieur 


I    "j/ Bound  with  other  material/ 
I I    ReWi  avec  d'autres  documents 


D 


D 


Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

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n 


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I  ^    Pages  decolorees,  tachet^es  ou  piquees 

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Transparence 

Quality  of  print  varies/ 
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obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


D 


Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplementaires; 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmd  au  taux  de  reduction  indique  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


30X 


y 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


lire 

details 
jes  du 

modifier 
jer  une 

filmage 


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ees 


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The  i-ist  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — ♦-  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

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method: 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbols  —•^-  signifie  "A  SUIVRE".  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  gtre 
film6s  &  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  etre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich4,  il  est  film6  d  partir 
de  Tangle  sup^rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droits, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  n6cessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


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26th  Congress, 
2rf  Session. 


s 


Doc.  No.  102. 


NORTHEASTERN  BOUNDARY. 


Ho.  OP  Reps. 

Executive. 


i!  /5 


MESSAGE 


PROM 


THE  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 


TRANSMITTING 


A  copy  of  the  report  of  the  commissioners  for  the  exploration  and  survey  of 
the  Northeastern  Boundaiy,  ^c.  ^c. 


February  12,  1841. 

Referred  to  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Affairs. 


To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  Slates  : 

I  transmit  herewith  the  copy  of  a  report  from  the  commissioners  for  the 
exploration  and  survey  of  the  northeastern  boundary,  in  addition  to  the 
documents  sent  to  Congress  with  reference  to  a  further  appropriation  for 
the  completion  of  the  duty  intrusted  to  the  commission. 

M.  VAN  BUREN. 

Washington,  February  8.  1841. 


Report  of  the  commissioners  appointed  by  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  under  the  act  of  Congress  of  20th  July,  1840,  for  the  purpose  of 
exploring-  and  surveying  the  boundary-line  between  the  States  of  Maine 
and  New  Hampshire,  and  the  British  Provinces. 

New  York,  January  6,  1841. 

Sir:  The  commissioners  having  assembled  in  this  city,  in  conformity 
with  your  orders  under  date  of  29th  of  July,  beg  leave  respectfully  to  re- 
port: 

That  the  extent  of  country,  and  the  great  length  of  the  boundary-line  in- 
cluded in  the  objects  of  their  commission,  would  have  rendered  it  impossible 
to  have  completed  the  task  assigned  them  within  'he  limits  of  a  single  season. 
In  addition  to  this  physical  impossibility,  the  work  of  the  present  year  was 
entered  upon  under  circumstances  very  unfavorable  for  making  any  great 
progress.  The  law  under  whicl.  they  have  acted,  was  passed  at  the  last 
period  of  a  protracted  session,  when  nearly  half  of  the  season,  during  which 
working  parties  can  be  kept  in  the  field,  had  elapsed  ;  and  although  no  delay 
took  place  in  the  appointment  of  commissioners  to  carry  it  into  effect,  the 
organization  of  the  board  was  not  effected,  in  consequence  of  the  refusal  of 
one  of  the  commissioners  and  the  agent  to  accept  of  their  nomination.  The 
commissioners,  acting  under  these  disadvantages,  have  done  all  that  lay  in 


i^*  i 


>  h 


a 


Doc.  No.  102. 


v: 


F:; 


their  power 'o  accomplisli  the  greatest  practicable  extent  of  work,  and  have 
obtained  many  results  which  cannot  but  be  important  in  the  examination  of 
the  vexed  and  important  question  which  has  been  committed  to  them ;  but, 
after  having  fully  and  maturely  considered  the  subject,  and  interchanged 
the  results  of  their  respective  operations,  tiiey  have  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  it  would  be  premature  to  embody  the  partial  results  which  they  have 
attained,  in  a  general  report,  for  the  purpose  of  being  laid  before  the  political 
and  scientific  world.  The  meridian-line  of  the  St.  Croix  has  not  been  car- 
ried to  a  distance  of  more  than  tifty  miles  from  the  monument  at  the  source 
of  that  river;  and  the  operations  of  the  other  commissioners,  although  they 
have  covered  a  wide  extent  of  country,  have  fulfilled  but  one  part  of  the 
duty  assigned  them — namely,  that  of  exploration  ;  while,  even  in  the  parts 
explored,  actual  surveys  will  be  necessary  for  the  purpose  of  presenting  the 
question  in  such  form  as  can  admit  of  no  cavil.  In  particular,  the  results  of 
the  examination  of  the  most  northern  part  of  the  line  appear  to  differ,  in 
some  points,  from  the  conclusions  of  the  late  British  commission.  Satisfied 
that  the  latter  have  been  reached  in  too  hasty  a  manner,  and  without  a  suf- 
ficient time  having  been  expended  upon  comparative  observations,  they  are 
cautioned  by  this  example  against  committing  a  like  error.  In  respect  to  the 
argumentative  part  of  the  report  of  fhe  iJritish  commissioners,  the  duiy  of 
furnishing  a  prompt  and  immediate  reply  to  such  parts  of  it  as  rest  upon  the 
construction  of  treaties,  and  the  acts  of  diplomacy,  has  been  rendered  far  less 
irapoi.ant  than  it  might  at  one  time  have  appeared,  by  the  publication  of  the 
more  important  parts  of  the  argument  laid  before  the  King  of  the  Nether- 
lands, as  umpire.  This  argument,  the  deliberate  and  studied  work  of  men 
who  well  understood  the  subject,  is  a  full  exposition  of  the  grounds  on  which 
the  claim  of  the  United  States  to  the  whole  of  the  disputed  territory  rests. 
It  has  received  the  sanction  of  successive  administrations,  of  opposite  politics; 
and  may,  therefore,  be  considered,  in  addition  to  its  original  official  charac- 
ter, as  approved  by  the  whole  nation.  To  this  publication  your  commission 
beg  leave  to  refer,  as  embodying  an  argument  which  may  be  styled  unan- 
swerable. 

The  operations  of  the  parties  under  the  command  of  the  several  commis- 
sioners,  were  as  follows: 

The  party  under  the  direction  of  Professor  Renw^ick,  left  Portland,  in  de- 
tachments, on  the  2Gth  and  27th  of  August.  The  place  of  general  rendez- 
vous was  fixed  at  Woodstock,  or,  failing  that,  at  the  Grand  Falls  of  the  St. 
John's.  The  commissary  of  the  party  proceeded  as  speedily  as  possible  to 
Oldtown,  in  order  to  procure  boats  and  engage  men.  Professor  Renwick 
passed  by  land  through  Brunswick.  Gardiner,  and  Augusta.  At  the  former 
place,  barometer  No.  1  was  compared  with  that  of  Professor  Cleaveland ; 
at  Gardiner,  with  that  of  Hallowell  Gardiner,  Esq. ;  and  arrangements  were 
made  with  them  to  keep  registers,  to  be  used  as  corresponding  observations 
with  those  of  the  expedition.  At  Augusta,  some  additional  articles  of  equip- 
ment were  obtained  from  the  authorities  of  the  State;  but  the  barometer 
which  it  had  been  hoped  m\ght  have  been  procured,  was  found  to  be  unfit 
for  service.  At  Houlton,  two  tents  and  a  number  of  knapsacks,  with  some 
gunpowder,  were  ftirnished,  by  the  politeness  of  General  Eustis,  from  the 
Government  stores. 

The  boats  and  a]\  the  stores  reached  Woodstock  on  the  3d  September  ; 
and  all  the  party  were  collected,  except  one  engineer,  who  h9.d  been  left  be- 
hind at  Bangor,  in  ihe  hopes  of  obtaining  another  barometer.    A  bateau 


.«^^v.^.> 


work,  and  have 
examination  of 
3  to  them ;  but, 
1  interchanged 
the  conclusion 
hich  tliey  have 
are  the  poUtical 
s  not  been  car- 
it  at  the  source 

although  fhey 
one  part  of  the 
en  in  the  parts 

presenting  the 
r, the  results  of 
ear  to  differ,  in 
lion.    Satisfied 

without  a  suf- 
\tions,  they  are 
n  respect  to  the 
3rs,  the  duly  of 
is  rest  upon  the 
endered  far  less 
bhcation  of  the 

of  the  Nether- 
i  work  of  men 
)unds  on  which 

territory  rests, 
ipositepohtics; 
official  charac- 
ur  commission 
styled  unan- 

sveral  commis- 

ortiand,  in  de- 
eneral  renJez- 
alls  of  the  St. 

as  possible  to 
ssor  Ren  wick 
At  the  former 

Cleaveland ; 
igementswere 
g  observations 
tides  of  equip- 
the  barometer 
nd  to  be  unfit 
ks,  with  some 
istis,  from  the 

d  September ; 
'  been  left  be- 
Kr.    A  bateau 


Doc.  No.   102. 


3 


was  therefore  left  to  bring  him  on.  The  remainder  of  the  boats  were  load- 
ed, and  the  party  embarked  on  the  St.  John's,  on  the  morning  of  the  4th  of 
September.  This,  the  main  body,  reached  the  Grand  Falls  at  noon  on  the 
8th  of  September.  The  remaining  bateau,  with  the  engineer,  arrived  the 
next  evening,  having  ascended  the  rapids  of  the  St.  Johns  in  a  time  short 
beyond  precedent.  On  its  arrival,  it  was  found  that  the  barometer,  on 
whose  receipt  reliance  had  been  placed,  had  not  been  completed  in  time  ; 
and  although,  as  was  learned  afterwards,  it  had  been  committed,  as  soon  as 
finished  by  the  maker,  to  the  care  of  Major  Graham,  the  other  commission- 
ers felt  compelled  to  set  out  before  he  had  joined  them.  The  want  of  this 
barometer,  in  which  defects  observed  in  the  others  had  been  remedied,  was 
of  no  little  detriment. 

A  delay  of  eighteen  days  had  occurred  in  Portland,  in  consequence  of  the 
refusal  of  Messrs.  Cleaveland  and  Jarvis  to  accept  their  appointments ;  and 
it  was  known,  from  the  experience  of  the  commissioners  sent  out  in  1838 
by  the  State  of  Maine,  that  it  would  require  at  least  three  weeks  to  reach 
the  line  claimed  by  the  United  States,  from  Bangor.  It  was,  therefore,  im- 
perative to  push  forward,  unless  the  risk  of  having  the  whole  of  the  opera- 
tions of  this  party  paralysed  by  the  setting  in  of  winter,  was  to  be  encoun- 
tered. It  was  also  ascertained  at  the  Grand  Falls,  that  the  streams  which 
were  to  be  ascended  were  always  shallow  and  rapid ;  and  that  at  the  mo- 
ment, they  were  extremely  low,  so  that  the  boats  would  not  carry  more 
stores  than  would  be  consumed  within  the  time  required  to  reach  the  re- 
gion  assigned  to  Professor  Renwick,  as  his  share  of  the  duty,  and  return. 
It  became  therefore  necessary,  as  it  had  been  before  feared  it  must,  to  be 
content  with  an  exploration,  instead  of  a  close  and  accurate  survey.  Sev- 
eral of  the  men  employed  had  been  at  the  northern  extremity  of  the  meri- 
dian-line ;  but  their  knowledge  was  limited  to  that  single  object.  Inquiry 
was  carefully  made  for  guides  through  the  country  between  the  sources  of 
the  Grande  Fourche  of  Restigouche  and  of  Tuladi,  but  none  were  to  be 
found.  One  Indian  only  had  passed  from  the  head  of  Green  river  to  the 
Grande  Fourche,  but  his  knowledge  was  limited  to  a  single  path,  in  a  di- 
rection not  likely  to  shed  any  light  on  the  object  of  the  commission  ;  he 
was,  however,  engaged.  The  French  hunters  of  Madawasca  had  never 
penetrated  beyond  the  sources  of  Green  river ;  and  the  Indians,  who  for- 
merly resided  on  the  upper  waters  of  the  St,  John's,  were  said  (o  have  aban- 
doned the  country  for  more  than  twelve  years. 

The  party  was  now  divided  into  four  detachments :  the  first  to  proceed 
down  the  Restigouche.  to  the  tide  of  the  bay  of  Chaleurs ;  the  second  to  as- 
cend the  Grande  Fourche  of  Restigouche  to  its  source ;  the  third  to  be  sta- 
tioned on  Green  river  mountain  ;  the  fourth  to  convey  the  surplus  stores 
and  heavy  baggage  to  Lake  Temiscouata,  and  thence  to  ascend  the  Tuladi 
and  Abagusquash,  to  the  highest  accessible  point  of  the  latter.  It  was 
resolved  that  the  second  and  fourth  detachments  should  endeavor  to  cross 
the  country  and  meet  each  other,  following,  as  far  as  possible,  the  height  of 
land.    A  general  rendezvous  was  again  fixed  at  Lake  Temiscouata. 

In  compliance  - -ith  this  plan,  the  first  and  second  detachments  ascended 
the  Grand  river  together,  crossed  the  Wagansis  portage,  and  reached  the 
confluence  of  the  Grande  Fourche  and  southwest  branch  of  Restigouche. 

The  first  detachment  then  descended  the  united  stream,  returned  by  the 
same  course  to  the  St.  John's,  and  reached  the  portage  at  Temiscouata  on 
the  7th  October,  All  the  intended  objects  of  the  detachment  were  happily 
accomplished. 


:1 


i\  - 


4 


Doc.  No.  102. 


Mi 


The  second  detachment,  under  the  personal  direction  of  the  commissioner, 
reached  the  junction  of  the  north  and  south  branches  of  the  Grande  Fourche 
on  the  22d  September.  Two  engineers,  with  two  men  to  carry  provisions, 
were  then  despatched  to  cross  the  country  to  tlie  meridian  line,  and  thence 
to  proceed  westward  to  join  the  detachment  at  Kedjjwick  lake.  This  duty 
was  performed,  and  many  valuable  observations  obtained ;  but  an  accident, 
by  which  the  barometer  was  broken,  prevented  all  the  anticipated  objects 
of  the  mission  from  being  accomplished. 

All  the  stores  which  could  possibly  be  spared  were  now  placed  in  a  depot 
at  the  junction  of  the  south  tranch,  and  the  commissioner  proceeded  with 
the  boats  thus  lightened  towards  Kedgwick  lake.  The  lightening  of  the 
boats  was  rendered  necessary,  in  r  jnsequence  of  the  diminution  of  llie  vol- 
ume of  the  river,  and  the  occurrence  of  falls,  over  which  it  would  have 
been  impossible  to  convey  them  when  fully  loaded.  For  want  of  a  guide, 
a  branch  more  western  than  that  which  issues  from  the  lake  was  entered. 
One  of  the  boats  was,  therefore,  sent  round  into  the  lake,  to  await  the  return 
of  the  engineers  despatched  to  the  meridian-line.  The  stores,  which  were 
all  that  could  be  brought  up,  in  the  state  of  th?  waters,  were  now  found  to 
be  wholly  insufficient  to  allov  of  committing  the  party  to  the  unexplored 
country  between  this  stream  and  Tuladi.  Even  the  four  days  which  must 
intervene  before  the  return  of  the  engineers  could  be  expected,  would  do 
much  to  exhaust  them.  The  commissioner,  therefore,  resolved  to  proceed 
across  the  country,  with  no  other  companion  than  two  men,  carrying  t<jn 
days'  provisions.  It  was  hoped  that  four  or  five  days  might  suffice  for  the 
purpose;  but  ten,  of  great  toil  and  difficulty,  were  spent  before  liake  Tuladi 
■was  reached.  The  remainder  of  the  detachment,  united  by  the  return  of 
the  engineers,  descended  the  north  branch  of  the  Grande  Fourclic  to  the 
junction  of  the  south  branch,  ascended  the  latter,  and  made  the  portage  to 
Green  river.  In  this,  the  boats  were  completely  worn  out,  and  the  last  of 
their  food  exhausted  just  at  the  moment  that  supplies,  sent  up  the  Green 
river  to  meet  them,  arrived  at  their  camp. 

No  arrangement  which  could  have  been  made,  would  have  sufficed  to 
prevent  the  risk  of  famine  which  was  thus  encountered  by  the  second  de- 
tachment. A  greater  mimber  of  boats  would  have  required  more  men,  and 
these  would  havo  ea«cn  all  they  could  have  carried.  No  other  actual  suf- 
fering, but  grep*  fatigue  and  anxiety  were  encountered  ;  and  it  is  now  ob- 
vious that,  nad  the  rains,  which  were  so  abundant  drring  the  first  week  of 
October,  oeen  snow,  (as  they  sometimes  are  in  that  climate.)  there  would 
have  been  a  risk  of  the  detachment  perishing. 

The  third  detachment  reached  their  station,  on  Green  river  njountain, 
on  the  13th  of  September,  and  continued  there  until  the  12th  of  October.  A 
full  Rct  of  barometric  observations  was  made;  the  latitude  well  determined 
by  numerous  altitudes,  and  the  longitude  approximately,  by  some  lunar  ob- 
servations. 

The  fourth  detachment,  after  depositing  the  stores  intended  for  the  re- 
turn of  the  party  in  charge  of  the  British  commissary  at  Fort  Tngall,  who 
politely  undertook  the  care  of  them,  ascended  the  Tuladi,  and,  taking  its 
northern  branch,  reached  Lake  Abagusquash.  Here  one  of  the  engineers 
wounded  himself  severely,  and  was  rendered  unfit  for  duty.  The  commis- 
sary then  proceeded  a  journey  of  five  days  towards  the  east,  blazing  a 
path,  and  making  signals  to  guide  the  second  detachment. 

The  difference  between  the  country,  as  it  actimlly  exists,  and  as  repre- 


i 


Doc.  No.   102. 


commissioner, 
nnde  Fourche 
rry  provisions, 
le,  and  thence 
B.  This  duty 
It  an  accident, 
ipated  objects 

ced  in  a  depot 
roceeded  with 
htening  of  the 
ion  of  the  vol- 
t  would  have 
mt  of  a  guide, 
3  was  entered, 
irait  the  return 
s,  which  were 
now  found  to 
lie  unexplored 
's  which  must 
ted,  would  do 
ed  to  proceed 
I,  carrying  ten 
sullice  for  the 
3  Lake  Tuladi 
the  return  of 
ourcl'.G  to  the 
the  portage  to 
ind  the  last  of 
up  the  Green 

ve  sufficed  to 

le  second  de- 

lore  men,  and 

er  actual  suf- 

it  is  now  ob- 

first  week  of 

there  would 

er  mountain, 
>f  October.  A 
determined 
me  lunar  ob- 

for  the  re- 
Ingall,  who 
id,  taking  its 
le  engineers 
The  commis- 
st,  blazing  a 

,nd  as  repre- 


sented on  any  maps,  prevented  the  commissioner  from  nicctiiig  tliis  party. 
It  found  tiie  source  of  the  central  or  main  branch  of  Tuludi  to  the  north  of 
that  of  the  Abagusquash ;  and,  following  the  height  of  land,  reached  the 
deep  and  narrow  valley  of  the  Rimouski,  at  the  point  where,  on  the  Hritisli 
maps,  that  stream  is  represented  as  issuing  frou.-  a  ridge  of  mountains  far 
north  of  the  line  ofTercd  to  the  King  of  the  Netherlands  as  the  bounds  of 
the  American  claim.  The  commissary,  tlierefore,  found  it  impossible  to 
ascend  Uiniouski  to  its  source;  and,  crossing  its  valley,  found  himself 
again  on  a  dividing  rioge,  whore  he  soon  struck  a  stroam  running  to  the 
southeast.  This,  from  a  comparison  of  courses  and  distances,  is  believed 
to  be  the  source  of  .no  main  branch  of  the  Grande  Fourche  f.  Restigonche  ; 
and  thus  the  second  and  fourtii  detachments  had  reached  points  within  a 
very  tiiiori  distance  of  each  other.  The  greater  breadth  of  the  dividing 
ridge  has  thus  been  explored  ;  but  it  will  remain  to  ti'ace  the  limits  of  the 
valley  of  the  Rimouski,  which  will  form  a  deep  indenture  in  the  boundary- 
line.  This  line  having  been  explored,  a  party  was  Ibrmc^d,  after  the  assem- 
blage of  the  several  divisions  at  Temiscouata,  lor  the  purpose  of  levelling 
it  with  a  barometer ;  but  the  expedition  was  frustrated  by  a  heavy  snow- 
storm, which  set  in  on  the  r2tli  of  October.  This,  the  most  important  part 
of  the  whole  northern  line,  therefore  remains  for  future  investigation.  It 
can  only  be  stated,  tlmt  strong  grounds  exist  for  the  belief  that  its  summits 
are  not  only  higher  than  any  point  which  has  been  measured,  but  that, 
although  cut  by  the  Rimoiski,  it  exceeds,  in  average  elevation,  any  part  of 
the  disputed  territory. 

Tli(5  levelling  of  the  Temiscouata  portage  appeared  to  be  au  object  of 
great  importance,  not  only  on  its  own  account,  but  as  furnishing  a  base  for 
future  operations.  As  soon  as  a  siiliicieut  force  had  beun  assembled  at  L^ake 
Temiscouata,  a  party  was,  there/ore,  formed  to  survey  the  portage  with  a 
theodolite.  Orders  were  also  given  by  the  commissioner,  that  the  first  ba- 
rometer which  should  be  returned  should  be  carried  over  the  portage.  It 
was  believed  that  this  double  provision  would  have  secured  the  examina- 
tion of  this  point,  beyond  the  chance  of  failure.  A  snow  storm,  however, 
(the  same  wliicli  interrupted  the  last  operation  referred  to,)  set  in  after  the 
•ijvel  had  been  run  to  the  mountain  of  Biort ;  and  one  of  the  laboring  men, 
worn  out  by  his  preceding  fatigues,  fell  sick.  The  party  being  thus  ren- 
dered insutlicient,  the  engineer  in  command  found  himself  compelled  to  re- 
turn. The  contemplated  operation  with  the  barometer  was  also  frustrated  ; 
for,  on  examination  at  T(!miscouata,  it  was  found  that  all  were  unlit 
for  further  service.  In  order  that  the  desired  object  might  be  accomplished, 
a  new  expedition  was  despatched  from  New  York,  on  the  12th  of  Novem- 
ber, furnished  with  four  barometers.  This  party,  by  great  exertions,  reached 
St.  Andre,  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  on  the  eighth  day,  I'md  accon)plished  the 
object  of  its  mission.  'J'he  operation  was  rendered  possible,  at  this  in- 
clement season,  by  its  being  confined  to  a  beaten  road,  and  in  tlie  vicinity 
of  human  habitations. 

The  countrv  which  has  been  the  object  of  this  reconnoissance,  is,  as  may 
already  be  understood,  of  very  diflicult  access  frou)  the  settled  parts  of  the 
State  of  Maine.  It  is  also,  at  best,  almost  iini)enetrable,  except  by  the  water- 
rourses.  It  furnishes  no  supplies,  except,  fish  and  small  game;  nor  can 
these  be  obtained  by  a  surveying  party,  which  cannot  be  strong  enough  to 
allow  for  hunters  and  fishermen  as  a  constituent  part.  The  third  detach- 
ment alone  derived  any  important  benefit  from  these  sources.     The  best 


i 


H 


^.  i 


Doc.  No.  102. 


H 


:'i 


h 


mode  orsnpplyinjT  n  party  moving  on  the  cnstnrn  section,  would  be  to  draw 
provivsions  and  stores  tVoni  the  St.  Lawrence.  It  is,  indeed,  now  obvious, 
aithouijh  it  is  contrary  to  the  behef  of  any  of  the  persons  prolossintr  to  be 
acquainted  with  tlie  subject,  that,  liad  iho.  commissioner  proceeded  from 
New  York,  by  the  way  of  Montreal  and  (Quebec,  he  might  have  r(!ached 
the  district  assigned  to  him  a  fortni'j;hl  earher,  and  have  accomphshed  twice 
as  much  work  as  his  parly  was  able  to  perform. 

Although  much  remains  to  be  done  in  this  region,  an  extensive  know- 
ledge of  a  country  hitherto  unknown  and  unexplored  has  been  obtained  ; 
and  this  not  only  sheds  much  light  upon  the  boundary  question  in  its  pres- 
ent state,  but  will  be  of  ])ermanent  service  in  case  of  a  further  r.r /;ar/c 
examination,  or  of  a  joint  commission  being  agreed  upon  by  the  Govern- 
ments of  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States. 

The  season  was  too  late  for  any  efficient  work,  as  the  hne  to  be  explored 
was  not  reached  before  the  22d  of  September.  Not  only  were  the  rivers  at 
their  lowest  ebb,  but  ice  was  me!,  in  the  progress  of  the  parlies,  as  early  as 
the  12th  of  September,  and  snow  fell  on  the  2lst  and  22d  of  September.  The 
actual  setting  in  of  winter,  which  sonietimes  occurs  in  the  first  week  of  Oc- 
tober, was  therefore  to  bo  dreaded.  From  this  time,  the  coiintry  becomes 
unfit  for  travelling  of  any  description,  until  the  streams  are  bound  with 
solid  ice,  and  a  crust  formed  on  the  snow  of  sufficient  firmness  to  make  it 
passable  on  snow-shoes.  The  only  road  is  that  along  the  St.  John's  river ; 
and  it  would  be  almost  impossible  for  a  party,  distant  more  than  ten  or 
twelve  miles  from  that  stream,  to  extricate  itself  after  the  winter  begins. 

No  duty  could  be  well  imagined  more  likely  to  be  disagreeable  tlian  that 
assiiincd  to  Professor  Rcnwick.  The  only  feasible  modes  of  opproach  lay, 
for  hundreds  of  miles,  through  the  acknowledged  limits  of  the  Hritish  terri- 
tory ;  and  the  line  he  was  directed  to  explore  was  included  within  the  mil- 
itary posts  of  that  nation.  It  may  be  likened  to  the  entry  upon  the  land  of 
a  neijjhbor  for  the  purpose  of  inquiring  into  his  title.  Under  these  circum- 
stances of  anticipated  difficulty,  it  becomes  his  duty,  as  well  as  his  pleasure, 
to  acknowledge  the  uniform  attention  and  civilities  he  experienced  from  all 
parties,  whether  in  official  or  in  private  stations.  AH  possibility  of  inier- 
ruplion  by  the  local  authorities  was  prevented  by  a  proclamation  of  his 
excellency  Sir  John  ITarvey,  K.  C.  15..  Lieutenant  Governor  of  the  Prov- 
ince of  New  Brunswick  ;  and  the  British  warden.  Colonel  McLaughlin, 
was  personally  instrumental  in  jjromoting  the  comforts  of  the  commissioner 
and  his  assistants.  Similar  attentions  were  received  from  the  officer.s  of  the 
garrison  at  Fort  Ingall,  the  commandant  of  the  citadel  of  Quebec,  and  from 
his  excellency  the  Governor  General.  Fiven  the  private  persons,  whose 
property  might  be  affected  by  the  acknowledgment  of  the  American  claim, 
exhibited  a  generous  hospitality. 

The  party  under  the  direction  of  Captain  Talcott  left  the  settlements 
on  Hall's  stream  on  the  6th  of  September.  The  main  branch  of  this  was 
followed  to  its  source  in  u  swamp,  in  which  a  branch  of  the  St.  Francis 
also  had  its  origin.  From  this  point,  the  party  followed  the  ridge  dividinq: 
the  Atlantic  from  the  St.  Lawrence  waters,  until  it  was  supposed  that  all 
the  branches  of  Indian  stream  had  l)een  headed.  In  this  work  the  party 
was  employed  until  the  14th  September.  It  had  now  arrived  at  a  point 
wheie  tlie  Megalloway  river  should  be  foimd  to  the  left,  according  to  the 
most  authentic  map  of  the  country  ;  especially  that  prepared  by  the  New 
Hampshire  commissioner,  appointed  in  1830  to  explore  the  boundary  of  that 


jld  be  to  draw 

now  obvious, 
ol'ossiiinf  to  be 
roceeded  from 
hfivo  r(!acbod 
nplished  twice 

tensive  kiiow- 
eeii  obtained  ; 
on  in  its  pres- 
rtber  ex-  parte 
J  the  Govern- 
to  be  explored 
e  the  rivers  at 
cs,  as  early  as 
)tembor.    The 
5t  week  of  Oc- 
intry  becomes 
e  bound  with 
sss  to  make  it 
John's  river : 
e  than  ten  or 
ter  befrins. 
able  tliaii  that 
approach  lay, 
p  IJritish  terri- 
ithin  tht!  mil- 
on  the  land  of 
these  circum- 
iiis  pleasure, 
need  Irom  all 
)ility  of  inler- 
uKUion  of  his 
of  the  Prov- 
McLauirhlin, 
commissioner 
officers  of  the 
lec,  and  from 
rsons,  whose 
erican  claim, 

settlements 
\  of  this  was 
St.  Francis 
dge  dividincf 
osed  that  all 
rk  the  party 
d  at  a  point 
3rd  in  o;  to  the 
by  the  New 
iidary  of  that 


Doc.  No.  102.  7 

State,  and  accompanyinfif  that  report.*  The  party,  accordino'ly,  boro  well 
north,  to  avoid  bt!ni<;  led  from  the  true  "heisfhtof  land"  by  th.j  dividing 
ridge  between  the  Coiniecticut  and  Androscocja^in  rivers.  After  crossing 
several  small  streams,  it  came,  on  the  aftfrnoon  of  the  l.^th,  to  a  rivulet, 
about  Vi  feet  wide,  runninjj  to  the  east,  which  was  supposed  to  be  the  main 
M<'{j'i"<'W"y  •  ''i^  "J'l'  was  spent  in  explorinj^  it  to  its  source.  The  next 
day  it  was  discovered  that  what  had  btuiu  taken  for  the  Megalloway  was  a 
tributary  of  Salmon  river,  a  lar^re  branch  of  the  St.  Francis;  and,  conse- 
quently, the  party  was  considerably  to  the  north  of  the  boundary. 

The  supply  of  provisions  did  not  allow  the  party  to  retrace  its  steps  to 
the  point  where  it  had  divercied  from  the  true  dividinj;  ridge.  The  course 
was  therefore  changed,  until  it  bore  a  little  south  ;  but  it  was  not  until  the 
22d  that  the  party  found  itself  again  on  the  dividing  ridge,  and  then  upon 
the  waters  of  the  Megalloway. 

The  party  reached  Arnold  river,  or  (^haudiere,  above  Lake  Megantic,  on 
the  24tli  September.  After  having  recruited,  and  taken  a  fresh  supply  of 
provisions  from  the  depot  established  there,  the  party  was  divided  into  two 
detachmei  s.  One  returned  westward,  to  find  the  corner  of  the  State  of 
New  Hani,ishi-e,  as  marked  by  the  commission  in  1789  ajipointed  to  trace 
the  bound  ne. 

It  was  ascertained  that  the  corner  was  on  the  true  dividing  ridge, 

and  not  from  _ht  to  ten  miles  south,  as  has  been  erroneously  reported  by 
the  surveyor  employc^d  by  the  New  Hampshire  commissioners  in  IS^jO,  and 
reiterated  in  several  official  papers.  From  the  State  corner,  the  dividing 
ridge  was  followed  to  wiiere  it  had  been  previously  explored  by  the  party. 
Thence  a  course  was  taken  to  the  northeast,  so  as  to  reach  tlie  head  of  liakc 
Megantic,  and  thence  to  Lake  Magaumac,  where,  on  the  8lh  October,  the 
two  detachments  were  again  united.  The  detachment  led  by  the  assistant, 
Mr.  Cntts,  had  successfully  followed  the  dividing  ridge  from  the  camp  of 
the  24th,  on  Arnold  river,  to  this  place. 

It  was  now  ascertained  that  (he  provisions  remainins"  were  not  sufficient 
to  subsist  all  of  the  company  until  the  K^ennebec  road  could  be  reached  liy 
following  the  lieii^-ht  of  land.  It  was  thought  advisable  again  to  separate 
into  detachments — one  to  follow  the  ridge,  supplied  with  provisions  for 
twenty  days ;  and  the  other  to  strike  for  the  nearest  settlement,  which,  it 
was  supposed,  could  be  reached  in  four  or  five  days.  This  movement  com- 
menced on  the  lOth  October,  and  the  detachment,  following  the  high  land, 
reached  the  Kennebec  road  on  the  23d  ;  and  on  the  following  day,  provis- 
ions for  the  party  for  fifteen  days  were  placed  there,  and  a  like  quantity  at 
the  mouth  of  tlie  Metjarmette.  It  was  intended  that  the  two  detachments 
should  move,  simultaneously,  from  these  two  points,  on  the  26th,  to  explore 
the  boundary-line  as  far  as  Lake  Etchemin.  A  deep  snow,  which  com- 
menced falling  on  the  night  of  the  25th,  compelled  the  commissioner  to 
abandon  further  explorations  at  that  time  ;  and  there  was  not  the  slightest 
probability  that  thf^y  could  bo  resumed  before  another  year. 

The  result  of  those  explorations  may  be  stated  as  follows: 

Aboiit  IGD  miles  or  country  along  or  near  the  "  heig-ht  of  land'^  have  been 
traversed,  the  travelled  distances  carefully  estimated,  and  the  courses  meas- 
ured with  a  compass,  Ba"omctrical  obseivations  were  made  as  often  as  ne- 
cessary for  giving  a  profile  of  the  route  from  the  head  of  Hall's  stream  to 

♦  Also,  see  Rep.  No,  176,  Ho.  Reps.,  3d  session,  25th  Congress. 


, 


i' 


I   ,1 


,    \ 


\v 


i 


t'      ; 

a,  :•, 


: 


s. 


f 


V: 


f.iii' 


lb 


8 


Doc.  No.  102. 


Arnold's,  or  tho  ('hniidiere  rivtir,  nnd  tlienco  to  Lnko  Mn<rftnniftc,  via  the 
corner  ol  (lie  iState  oi  New  llainf)sliiri!.  ISomc  Curlhor  buromclrical  obsur- 
vatioiis  wero  nuido  between  tliis  Inke  and  the  Kennebec  road  ;  but,  for  a  por- 
tion of  that  distance,  tho  barometer  was  nnscirviceablc,  in  constciuenco  of  air 
havin^j  entered  the  tube.  Astronomical  observations  were  made  as  often  as 
there  was  an  opportunity,  but,  owinir  tf>  Ibe  prevalence  of  clouds,  not  as 
often  as  was  desirable.  They  will  serve  for  correctinuf  the;  courses  and  es- 
timated distances  as  travelled,  nurometricjil  observations  lor  comparison 
were  made  at  the  intersection  of  the  Kemiebec  road  and  heijrht  of  land, 
hourly,  from  7  A.  M.,  to  5  P.  M.,  while  the  parlies  were  on  tlic  dividing 
lidjje. 

Tho  only  discovery  of  interest  made  by  this  party,  is,  that  the  Ma^jallo- 
way  river  does  not  head  any  of  the  branches  of  the  Connecticut,  as  ii  was 
generally  believed  it  did  ;  and,  consequently,  our  claim  to  Hall's  stream  is  de- 
prived of  the  support  it  would  have  had,  from  the  fact  that  all  tho  other 
branches  were  headed  by  an  Atlantic  river,  and,  conse([Ucntly,  could  not  be 
reached  by  the  line  along  tho  height  of  land  from  tho  norlliwest  angle  of 
Nova  Scotia. 

Th  3  other  commissioner  (Major  J.  D.  Graham)  did  not  receive  his  appoint- 
ment until  lOtli  August,  to  (ill  the  place  left  vacant  by  the  non-acceptance 
of  Proftissor  Cleaveland  ;  and  to  him  was  assigned  the  survey  and  examina- 
tion of  the  due  north  line,  commencing  at  tho  source  of  tho  riv<ir  St.  (Jroix, 
and  extending  to  the  highlands  whicli  divide  the  waters  that  How  into  the 
river  St.  Lawrence,  from  those  which  llow  into  tho  Atlantic  ocean. 

Immediately  alter  receiving  his  appointment,  he  took  the  necessary  steps 
for  organizing  his  party;  and,  in  addition  to  twoollicers  of  the  corps  of  topo- 
graphical engineers,  assigned  to  him  by  tho  commandant  of  the  corps  for 
this  service,  ho  called  to  his  aid  two  civil  engineers,  possessing  the  requisite 
qualifications  for  the  duties  to  be  perlbrmcd.  So  soon  as  the  re(iuisite  in- 
struments could  be  procured  and  put  in  proper  order,  he  left  New  York  for 
Portland,"  Maine,  where  he  arrived  on  the  ;5th  of  September,  expecting  there 
to  join  his  colleagues  of  the  commission.  They  had,  however,  proceeded 
to  the  points  designated  for  tho  commenceinont  of  their  respective  duties;  the 
season  being  too  far  advanced  to  justify  their  incurring  any  further  delay. 

At  Portland,  a  short  conference  was  had  with  Mr.  Stubbs,  the  agent  of 
the  State  Department,  who  furnished  the  necessary  means  for  procuring  an 
outfit  for  the  party,  in  provisions,  camp  equipage,  &.c. 

The  party  then  proceeded  to  Bangor,  where  it  was  occupied  until  the 
12th  in  nrocuring  the  necessary  supplies  of  provisions,  camp  e([uipage,  trans- 
portation, tfcc,  to  enable  it  to  take  the  field ;  and  a  i'ew  astronomical  obser- 
vations were  made  here,  for  the  purpose  of  testing  the  rates  of  the  chronom- 
eters which  were  to  boused  upon  this  service,  as  well  as  of  obtaining  addi- 
tional data  for  computing  the  longitude  of  this  place,  which,  together  with 
the  latitude,  had  been  determined  by  tho  commissioiuT,  by  a  very  near  ap- 
proximation, in  the  summer  of  1S38,  while  occupied  upon  the  military  re- 
connoissances  of  the  northeastern  frontier. 

On  the  12th  the  party  left  liangor  for  lloulton,  whore  it  arrived  nn  the 
evening  of  the  I3th.  A  depot  of  provisions  was  established  liere,  for  sup- 
plying the  line  of  their  future  operations  ;  and  the  services  of  the  requisite 
number  of  men,  as  axemen,  chain-bearers,  instrument  carriers,  (fee,  were 
engaged. 

Pending  these  preparations,  and  the  time  necessarily  occupied  in  cutting 


U^ 


[\umnc,  via  the 
tiic'lrical  obsor* 
;  but,  for  a  por- 
stcnieiico  ol  uir 
iad(!  as  ol'toti  as 
clouds,  nut  as 
:'our.ses  mid  «'s- 
or  couiparison 
lieijrht  of  land, 
II  the  dividing 

it  the  Mn^allo- 
iicut,  as  ii  was 
I's  stream  is  de- 
t  all  Ibo  other 
y,  could  not  be 
liwost  angle  of 

ive  hisappoint- 
non-acceptiincc 
Y  and  oxaniina- 
rivor  St.  ('roix, 
it  How  into  the 
ocean. 

necessary  steps 
e  corps  of  topo- 
if  the  corps  for 
iig  the  requisite 
K!  recpiisite  in- 
New  York  for 
ixpectin^f  there 
ver,  proceeded 
live  duties;  the 
iiriher  delay. 
p,  the  agent  of 
r  procuring  an 

Ipied  until  the 
jiuipnge,  trans- 
iioniical  ohser- 
llie  chroiiom- 
itaining  addi- 
[togjither  with 
very  near  ap- 
he  military  re- 

Irrived  on  the 
here,  for  sup- 
the  requisite 

3rs,  (fee,  were 


lied  in  cutting 


Doc.  No.  102.  9 

n  roadway  through  the  forest  from  a  convenient  point  on  the  Calais  road,  to 
the  monument  at  the  source  of  the  river  St.  Croix,  a  series  of  astronomical 
observations  was  made,  l)olh  by  d.iy  and  byiiight,  by  which  the  latitude 
and  longitude  of  I  loulton  were  satisfactorily  determined,  and  the  rates  of  the 
chronometers  further  tested. 

liy  the  ^4th  of  September,  the  roadway  was  suflicienlly  ope.i  to  permit 
a  cam|)  to  bo  establislied  upon  the  experimental  meridian-lino  traced  by  the 
United  States  and  liritish  surveyors  in  the  year  1817,  when  an  attempt  was 
made  to  mark  this  portion  of  the  boundary  between  the  two  countries, 
agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the  treaty  of  Ghent  of  1815. 

The  provisions  and  camp  e(|uipage  were  transported  upon  a  strong  but 
roughly-constructed  sled,  drawn  by  horses,  whilst  the  instruments  were 
carried  by  hand ;  the  surface  of  the  country  over  which  this  roadway  was 
opened  being  too  rough  for  any  wheeled  vehicle  to  pass. 

The  j)oint  decided  upon  as  the  true  source  of  the  river  St.  Croix,  by  the 
United  States  and  British  commissioners  appointed  for  that  purpose,  under 
the  5th  article  of  »lie  treaty  of  1794,  was  found  and  identified,  both  by  the 
inscriptions  upon  the  monument  erected  there  to  mark  the  spot,  and  also 
by  the  testimony  of  a  living  witness  of  high  respectability,  who  has  known 
the  locality  since  it  was  first  designated  by  the  commissioners  under  the 
treaty  of  1794. 

Tlie  avenue,  which  had  been  cleared  through  a  dense  forest,  from  the 
monument  to  a  distance  of  12  miles  north  of  it,  by  the  surveyors  in  1817, 
was  easily  recognised  by  the  new  and  thick  growth  of  young  timber  which, 
having  a  width  of  from  41)  to  5U  feet,  now  occupied  it.  Axemen  were  at 
once  set  at  work  to  reopen  this  avenue,  under  the  supposition  that  the  due- 
north  line  would  at  least  fall  within  its  borders  for  a  distance  of  12  miles. 
In  the  moan  time,  the  first  astronomical  station  and  camp  were  established, 
and  the  transit  instrument  set  up  at  a  distance  of  4,578  feet  north  of  the 
monument,  upon  an  eminence  45^  feet  above  the  level  of  its  base.  This 
position  commanded  a  distant  view  of  tiie  monument  to  the  south,  and  of 
the  whole  line  to  the  north,  for  a  distance  of  11  miles,  reaching  t<^  Park'a 
hill.  Whilst  the  work  of  clearing  the  line  of  its  young  growtli  l  ember 
was  progressing,  a  series  of  astronomical  observations  was  commet';';d  at 
this  first  camp,  and  continued  both  day  and  night  without  intermission, 
(except  when  interrupted  by  unlavorable  weather,)  with  the  sextants,  the 
repeating  circle  of  reflection,  and  the  transit  instrument,  until  the  latitude 
and  longitude  of  the  monument  and  of  this  first  camp  were  satisfactorily 
ascertained,  and  also  the  direction  of  the  true  meridian  from  the  said 
monument,  established.  For  this  latter  purpose,  several  observations  were 
in  the  first  place  made  upon  the  polar  star  (/1/jo/m  Ursa)  iMinoris,)  when  at  its 
greatest  eastern  diurnal  elongation  ;  and  the  direction  thus  obtained  was  af- 
terwards verified  and  further  corrected,  by  numerous  tiansit  observations 
upon  stars  passing  the  meridian  at  various  altitudes  both  north  and  south 
of  the  zenith.  These  vvere  multiplied  with  cvory  degree  of  care,  and  with 
the  aid  of  four  excellent  chronometers,  whose  rates  were  constantly  tested, 
not  only  by  the  transit  observations,  but  also  by  equal  altitudes  of  the  sun 
in  the  day,  to  correct  the  time  at  noon  and  midnight,  and  by  observed  al- 
titudes of  east  and  west  stars,  for  correcting  the  same  at  various  hours  of 
the  niofht. 

The  direction  of  this  true  meridian,  as  thus  established  by  the  commis- 
sioner, was  found  to  vary  from  the  experimental  line  traced  by  the  survey- 


'"\ 


i  I 


aaas 


10 


Doc.  No.   102. 


I 


'  '■■) 


ors  of  1817,  by  running  in  the  first  place  to  the  west  of  their  line,  then 
crossing  it,  and  afterwards  deviating  considerably  to  the  east  of  it. 

At  the  second  principal  station  erected  oy  the  party,  distant  C  miles  and 
3,952  feet  north  o/  the  tirst  camp,  or  7  miles  and  3,240  leet  north  of  the 
monument,  it  found  itself  60  feet  to  the  west  of  the  line  of  1817.  This  ap- 
peared to  be  the  maximum  deviation  to  the  west  of  that  line,  as  near  as  its 
trace  could  be  identified,  which  was  only  marked  by  permanent  objects  re- 
cognised by  the  party,  at  the  termination  of  each  mile  from  the  monument. 
Soon  after  passing  this  station,  the  line  of  1817  was  crossed  ;  and  the  party 
did  not  afterwards  touch  it,  but  deviated  more  and  more  to  the  east  of  it  as 
it  progressed  north,  hut  by  an  irregular  proportion  to  the  distance  advanced. 

In  order  to  obtain  a  correct  profile  or  vertical  section  along  the  whole  ex- 
tent of  this  meridian  line,  in  the  hope  of  furnishing  data  for  accurate  com- 
parisons of  eleva  ■  "•,  so  far  as  they  might  be  considered  relevant  to  the 
subject  in  dispute  bet-v^een  the  two  Governments,  and  also  to  afford  an  ac- 
curate base  of  comparison  for  the  barometers  along  an  extended  line,  which 
must  traverse  many  ridges  that  will  be  objects  of  minute  exploration  for 
many  miles  of  lateral  extent,  an  officer  was  detailed  to  trace  a  line  of  levels 
from  the  base  of  the  monument  marking  the  source  of  the  river  St.  Croix, 
to  tide-water,  at  Calais  in  Maine  ;  by  which  means  the  elevation  of  the  base 
of  the  monument  above  the  planes  of  mean  low  and  mean  high  water,  and 
also  the  elevations  of  several  intermediate  points  of  the  river  St,  Croix,  on 
its  expanded  lake  surface,  have  been  accurately  ascertained. 

Another  officer  was,  at  the  same  time,  charged  with  tracing  a  line  of 
levels  from  the  base  of  the  same  monument,  along  the  due-north  line,  as 
marked  by  the  commissioner,  by  which  it  is  intended  that  every  undula- 
tion, with  the  absolute  heights  above  the  plane  of  mean  low  water  at  Calais, 
shall  be  shown  along  the  whole  extent  of  that  line. 

At  Park's  hill,  distant  nearly  12  miles  from  the  monument,  a  second  sta- 
tion for  astronomical  observations  was  established,  and  a  camp  suitable  for 
that  purpose  was  formed.  On  tlio  20th  day  of  October,  whilst  occupied  in 
completing  the  prolongation  of  the  meridian-line  to  that  point,  and  in  estab- 
lishing a  camp  there,  the  party  was  visited  by  a  snow  storm,  which  cov- 
ered the  ground  to  a  depth  of  four  inches  in  the  course  of  six  hours.  This 
was  succeeded  by  six  days  of  dark,  stormy  weather,  which  entirely  inter- 
rupted all  progress,  and  terminated  by  a  rain,  with  a  change  to  a  milder 
temperature,  which  cleared  away  the  snow.  During  this  untoward  event, 
the  parties  made  themselves  as  comfortable  as  practicable  in  their  tents,  and 
were  occupied  in  computing  many  of  the  astronomical  and  other  observations 
previously  made. 

On  the  2d  of  November,  the  weather  became  clear,  and  the  necessary 
astronomical  observations  were  immediately  commenced  at  Park's  hill. 
From  this  elevated  point,  the  first  station  could  be  distinctly  seen  by  means 
of  small  heliotropes  during  the  day,  and  bright  lights  erected  upon  it  at  night. 
Its  direction,  with  that  of  several  intermediate  stations  due  south  of  Park's 
hill,  was  verified  by  a  new  series  of  transit  observations  upon  hiffh  and  low 
stars,  both  north  and  south  of  the  zenith.  By  the  same  means,  the  line  was 
prolonged  to  the  north. 

In  one  week  after  commencing  the  observations  at  Park's  hill,  the  weather 
became  again  unfavorable ;  the  sky  was  so  constantly  overcast  as  to  preclude 
all  astronomical  observations,  and  the  atmosphere  so  thick  as  to  prevent  a 
view  to  the  north,  which  would  permit  new  stations  to  be  established  with 


)^ 


leir  line,  then 
;ofit. 

tit  6  miles  and 
;  north  of  the 
17.  This  ap- 
,  as  near  as  its 
ent  objects  re- 
he  monument, 
and  the  party 
he  east  of  it  as 
nee  advanced, 
the  whole  ex- 
accunite  com- 
relevant  to  the 
5  afford  an  ac- 
ed  Hne,  which 
ixploration  for 
.  Mne  of  levels 
Iver  St.  Croix, 
on  of  the  base 
gh  water,  and 
•  St.  Croix,  on 

cing  a  line  of 
north  line,  as 
every  undula- 
'ater  at  Calais, 

a  second  sta- 
suitable  for 
t  occupied  in 

and  in  estab- 
1,  which  cov- 
hours.  This 
entirely  inter- 
e  to  a  milder 
toward  event, 
leir  tents,  and 
'  observations 

he  necessary 
Park's  hill. 

en  by  means 
on  it  at  night. 
Lith  of  Park's 
high  and  low 

the  line  was 

,  the  weather 

IS  to  preclude 

to  prevent  a 

blished  with 


\i 


Doc.  No-  102. 


11 


sufficient  accuracy'in  that  direction.  Unwilling  to  quit  the  field  while  there 
was  a  prospect  of  the  weather  becoming  snfliciently  favorable  to  enable  the 
party  to  reach  the  latitude  of  Mars  hill,  or  even  proceed  beyond  it,  it  was 
determined  that  some  of  the  party  should  continue  in  the  tents,  and  there 
occupy  themselves  with  such  calculations  as  ought  to  be  made  before  quit- 
ting the  field.  The  officers  charged  with  the  line  of  levels,  and  with  the 
reconnoissances  in  advance  for  the  selection  of  new  positions  for  stations, 
continued  their  labors  in  the  field,  notwithstanding  they  were  frequently 
exposed  to  slight  rain  and  snow  storms,  as  these  portions  of  the  work  could 
go  on  without  a  clear  sky. 

On  the  13th  of  November  a  severe  snow  storm  occurred,  which,  in  a  sin- 
gle night  and  a  portion  of  the  following  morning,  covered  the  surface  of  the 
whole  country,  and  the  roofs  of  the  tents,  to  a  depth  of  sixteen  inches.  The 
northern  extremity  of  the  avenue  which  had  been  cleared  by  the  surveyors 
of  1817,  was  now  reached,  and,  in  addition  to  the  young  growth  which  had 
sprung  up  since  that  period  upon  the  previous  part  of  the  line,  several  miles 
had  been  cleared  through  the  dense  forest  of  heavy  timber,  in  order  to  pro- 
ceed w.'h  the  line  of  levels,  which  had  reached  nearly  to  the  Meduxnakeag. 
The  depth  of  snow  now  upon  the  ground  rendered  it  impracticable  to  con- 
tinue the  levelling,  with  the  requisite  accuracy,  any  farther;  and  that  part 
of  the  work  was  accordingly  suspended  for  the  season.  The  thermometer 
had  long  since  assumed  a  range  extending  during  the  night,  and  frequent- 
ly during  a  great  portion  of  the  day.  to  many  degrees  below  the  freezing 
point. 

The  highlands  bordering  on  the  Aroostook,  distant  40  miles  to  the  north 
of  the  party,  wen;  distinctly  seen  from  an  elevated  position,  whenever  the 
atmosphere  was  clear  ;  and  a  long  extent  of  intermediate  country,  of  inferior 
elevation  to  the  position. then  occupied,  presented  itself  to  the  view,  with 
the  two  peaks  of  Mars  hill  rising  abruptly  above  the  oeneral  surface  which 
surrounded  their  base.  The  eastern  extremity  of  the  base  of  the  eastern- 
most peak  was  nearly  two  degrees  of  arc,  or  nine-tenths  of  a  mile  in  space, 
to  the  west  of  the  line  as  it  passed  the  same  latitude. 

To  erect  stations  opposite  to  the  base  of  Mars  hill,  and  upon  the  heights 
of  the  Aroostook,  in  order  to  obtain  exact  comparisons  with  the  old  line  at 
these  points,  were  considered  objects  of  so  much  importance,  as  to  deter- 
mine the  commissioner  to  continue  the  operations  in  the  field  to  the  latest 
practicable  period,  in  hopes  of  accomplishing  these  ends. 

On  the  18th  day  of  November,  the  party  succeeded  in  erecting  a  station 
opposite  Mars  hill,  and  very  near  the  meridian-line.  It  was  thus  proved 
that  the  line  would  pass  from  nine-tenths  of  a  mile  to  one  mile  east  of  the 
eastern  extremity  of  the  base  of  the  northeasternmost  peak  of  Mars  hill. 

On  the  30th  of  November,  a  series  of  signals  was  commenced  to  be  in- 
terchanged at  night,  between  the  position  of  the  transit  instrument  on  Park's 
hill,  and  the  highlands  of  the  Aroostook.  These  were  continued  at  inter- 
vals, whenever  the  weather  was  sufficiently  clear,  until,  by  successive  ap- 
proximations, a  station  was,  on  the  9th  of  December,  established  on  the 
heijrhts  one  mile  south  of  that  river  and  on  the  meridian-line  Tho  point 
thus  reached  is  more  than  50  miles  from  the  monument  at  the  source  of  the 
St.  Croix,  as  ascertained  from  the  land  surveys  made  under  the  authority 
of  the  States  of  Muine  and  Massachusetts.  The  measurements  of  the  party 
could  not  be  extended  to  this  last  point,  owing  to  the  depth  of  the  snow 
which  lay  upon  the  ground  since  the  middle  of  November ;  but  the  distance 


\  i 


)l 


12 


Doc.  No.  102. 


■  f 


f- 


III; 


ir    • 


derived  from  the  laiid  surveys  must  be  a  very  near  approximation  to  the 
truth.  A  permanent  station  was  erected  at  the  position  estabhshed  on  the 
Aroostook  heights,  and  a  measurement  made  from  it,  due  west  to  the  ex- 
perimental or  explorinp:  line  of  1817,  by  which  the  party  found  itself  2,400 
feet  to  the  east  of  that  line. 

Between  the  1st  and  15th  of  December,  the  observations  were  carried  on 
almost  exclusively  during  the  night,  and  frequently  with  the  thermometer 
from  0  to  10  and  12  degrees  belo\v  that  point  by  Fahrenheit's  scale.  Al- 
though frequently  exposed  to  this  temperature,  in  the  performance  of  their 
duties  in  the  open  air  at  night,  and  to  within  a  few  degrees  of  that  temperature 
during  the  hours  ofsleep,  with  no  other  protection  than  the  tents  and  camp- 
beds  commonly  used  in  the  army,  the  whole  party,  both  oflicers  and  men, 
enjoyed  excellent  health. 

During  the  day,  the  tents,  in  which  the  astronomical  computations  were 
carried  on,  were  rendered  quite  comfortable  by  means  of  small  stoves  ;  but, 
at  night,  the  fire  would  become  extinguished,  and  the  temperature  reduced 
to  within  a  few  degrees  of  that  of  the  outward  air.  Within  the  observa- 
tory tent,  the  comfort  of  a  fire  could  not  be  indulged  in,  in  consequence  of 
the  too  great  liability  to  produce  serious  errors  of  observation  by  the  smoke 
passing  the  field  of  the  telescope.  The  astronomical  observations  were 
therefore  always  made  in  the  open  air,  or  in  a  tent  open  to  the  heavens  at 
top  during  the  hours  of  observation,  and  without  a  fire. 

On  the  16th  of  December  the  tents  were  struck,  and  this  party  retired 
from  the  field  for  the  season ;  there  being  then  more  than  two  feet  of  snow 
on  the  ground.  To  the  unremitting  zeal,  amidst  severe  exposures,  and  to 
the  scientific  and  practical  attainments  of  the  oflicers,  both  civil  and  mili- 
tary, who  served  under  the  orders  of  the  commissioner  on  this  duty,  he  ac- 
knowledges himself  in  a  great  measure  indebted  for  the  progress  that  he  was 
enabled  to  make,  notwithstanding  the  many  difficulties  encountered. 

Observations  were  made,  during  portions  of  three  lunations,  of  the  transit 
of  the  moon's  bright  limb,  and  of  such  tabulated  stars  as  differed  but  little  in 
right  ascension  and  declination  from  the  moon,  in  order  to  obtain  additional 
data  to  those  furnished  by  chronometrical  comparisons  with  the  meridian  of 
Boston,  for  computing  the  longitude  of  this  meridian-line. 

At  the  first  station,  4,578  feet  north  of  the  monument,  and  also  at  the  Park's 
liill  station,  the  dip  of  the  magnetic  needle  was  ascertained  by  a  scries  of  ob- 
servations: in  the  one  case  upon  two,  and  in  the  other  upon  three  separate 
needles.  The  horizontal  declination  was  also  ascertained,  at  both  these  sta- 
tions, by  a  full  set  of  observations  upon  six  diflfcrent  needles. 

The  details  of  these,  and  of  all  tlie  astronomical  observations  alluded  to, 
will  be  prepared  as  soon  as  practicable  for  the  use  of  the  commission,  should 
they  be  required.  To  his  excellency  Major  General  Sir  John  ll;irvey, 
K.  C.  B.,  Lieutenant  Governor  of  the  Province  of  New  Brunswick,  Major 
Graham  acknowledges  himself  greatly  indebted,  for  having,  in  the  most 
obliging  manner,  extended  to  him  e ^ery  facility  within  his  power  for  prose- 
cuting the  examinations.  From  Mr.  Cjnnell,  of  Woodstock,  a  member  of 
the  Colonial  Parliament,  and  from  Lieutenant  Colonel  McLaughlin,  the 
British  land  agent,  very  kind  attentions  were  received. 

Major  Graham  has  also  great  pleasure  in  acknowledging  his  obligations 
to  General  Eustis,  commandant  of  the  Eastern  Department ;  to  Colonel 
Pierce,  commanding  the  garrison  at  Iloulton,  and  to  his  officers  ;  and  also 
to  Major  Ripley,  of  the  ordnance  department,  commanding  the  arsenal  at 


imation  to  tfic 
iblished  on  the 
/est  to  the  ex- 
ind  itself  2/100 

vere  carried  on 
0  thermometer 
it's  scale.  Al- 
mance  of  their 
lat  temperature 
ents  and  camp- 
Lcers  and  men, 

putations  were 
ill  stoves  ;  but, 
rature  reduced 
n  the  observa- 
conseqnence  of 
i  by  the  smoke 
lorvations  were 
the  heavens  at 

is  party  retired 
TO  ieet  of  snow 
^osures,  and  to 
civil  and  mili- 
lis  duty,  he  ac- 
•ess  that  he  was 
untered. 

of  the  transit 
ed  but  iiltle  in 
ain  additional 
le  meridian  of 

so  at  the  Park's 

y  a  scries  of  ob- 

three  separate 

both  these  sta- 

DHS  alluded  to, 
nission,  should 
John  Harvey, 
nswick,  Major 
r,  in  the  most 
)wer  for  prose- 
a  member  of 
Laufjhlin,  the 

lis  obliofations 
It;  to  Colonel 
;ers  ;  and  also 
the  arsenal  at 


Doc.  No.  102. 


13 


Augusta,  for  the  prompt  and  obliging  manner  in  which  they  supplied 
many  articles  useful  in  the  prosecution  of  the  labors  of  his  party. 

The  transit  instrument,  with  which  the  meridian-line  was  traced,  had 
been  loaned  to  the  commission  by  the  Hon.  William  A.  Duer,  president  of 
Columbia  college.  New  York  ;  and  the  commissioners  feel  bound  to  return 
their  acknowledgments  for  the  liberality  with  which  the  use  of  this  astro- 
nomical instrument  was  granted,  at  a  time  when  it  would  have  been  diffi- 
cult, and  perhaps  impossible,  to  have  procured  one  as  well  auited  to  the 
object. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

JAMES  REN  WICK,    1 

JAMES  D.  GRAUAmS  Commissioners. 


A.  TALCOTT, 
Hon.  John  Forsyth, 

Secretary  of  State. 


1  S 


.! 


'1^ 


